What is Arthroscopic Bankart Repair?

Arthroscopic Bankart repair is a minimally invasive procedure done to reattach and tighten the detached labrum within the shoulder joint. This surgery is utilized for shoulder stabilization in patients with anterior shoulder instability with minimum glenoid bone loss. This review will provide information on the indications, surgical technique, complications, and recent outcomes in arthroscopic Bankart repair for shoulder instability.

Arthroscopic Bankart repair is a surgical procedure that utilizes arthroscopy to correct defects of the labrum. After being diagnosed by a doctor, it is possible to undergo arthroscopic shoulder surgery to correct the problem if needed.

What are the tests and diagnosis for Bankart Repair?

The shoulder surgeon diagnoses shoulder instability based on the patient history and physical examination. Patients with traumatic instability may have damage to the humeral head (ball of the shoulder) or the glenoid (socket).Complex tests such as MRI or arthroscopy are rarely necessary to make the diagnosis.

Surgical Procedure

The objective of the surgery is to restore the normal anatomy of the shoulder by repair and reattachment of the torn labrum. Bankart repair can be performed surgically with an arthroscopic technique under general anesthesia.

A Bankart repair surgery is usually done with arthroscopic technique under general anesthesia. It aims at restoring the health of the affected shoulder by reshaping and reattaching the torn labrum.

Arthroscopic Bankart repair is a shoulder joint surgery performed through relatively small incisions so as to avoid invasive, risky open surgery. It is often used to treat lean tear of the labrum in the shoulder joint. The procedure begins with an arthroscopic examination via arthroscope of the shoulder joint and other associated structures. Through arthroscope, fragile tissues are identified and examined closely using arthroscopy.

Restructuring of torn or damaged tissues is carried out under direct visualization. Infected or inflamed tissues are debrided carefully. Tears are fixed by sutures and resistant tears are reconstructed by other means. The restoration of anatomic integrity ensures joint stability. After completion of the procedure, a sterile dressing is wrapped on the injured area to promote healing, protect the tissues from infection and prevent further movement in the involved area. The wound may be covered with a bandage which will then take care no further movement in that region and slowly heal itself under adequate support.

Post-operative precautions

• Diet
• Wound Care
• Medications
• Immobilizer
• Ice Therapy
• Exercise

What are the risks & complications?

As with any common medical procedure, there is always some risk involved.

• Recurrent Instability
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Shoulder stiffness
• Blood vessel or nerve injury
• Post traumatic arthritis

What are the advantages Bankart Repair?

• Shoulder pain relief
• Improve shoulder stability
• Ability to return to normal activities
• Improved shoulder strength and balance
• Restored range of motion in the shoulder